The Russian Muftis Council hosted a sigining ceremony of a Memorandum on cooperation between the Russian Muftis Council and the Organization of Culture and Islamic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Dr. Mohammad Bagher Horamshad. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the IRI in Moscow Reza Sajjadi, a head of the Cultural Mission of the Embassy of the IRI in Moscow Abuzar Ebrohimi Torkaman and other employees of the Iranian embassy.

The purpose of concluding an agreement on cooperation is strengthening of existing between the Russian Muftis Council and the Iranian side in the vast humanitarian relationships, including scientific and educational, cultural and theological fields.

Before the solemn ceremony of signing procedures the Chairman of the Board of Muftis of Russia mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin welcomed the distinguished guests:

"We have been working for many years with our brothers in Iran in the name of Islamic spirituality and for the benefit of the Ummah," - these words, after the traditional Muslim greetings, the spiritual leader of Muslims of Russia addressed to the guests.

The Mufti expressed his joy to see our old friend, Mohammad Bagher Horamshad as head of the Organization of Culture and Islamic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In conversation the parties emphasized the role of Islam in the preservation of peace and in the fight against extremism and radicalism.

The important role in this opposition to extremism and terrorism, Mufti attributed to the joint efforts of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, including Muslim organizations in our countries. The Russian Muftis Council appreciates our long-standing relationships in education and the dissemination of true Islamic values, which a number of joint programs and activities, conferences and round tables, held by the RMC jointly with the Embassy of Iran in Russia and the Islamic Cultural Center of the Embassy of the IRI, were devoted to.

Mufti praised the work of Mr. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the IRI Dr. Reza Sazhdidi, Head of Iran's Islamic Cultural Representative Dr. Abuzar Ebrohimi Torkamani and the staff.

Ravil Gaynutdin praised the organization and holding of joint activities of RMC and our brothers in Iran, that always had a positive resonance. In the first place - the Moscow International Competition of the Quran recitation, in which IRI is presented by its competitors and as members of the international jury and by the performance of nasheeds, which every time got a spiritual response among the guests of the event, gathering full houses every year at representative sites in Moscow. The Mufti said other joint projects as well, which main task remains the same: to educate people, to communicate to everyone the true essence of our blessed religion - Islam, its peacefulness, tolerance, respect for other religions and traditions.

In response to the kind words of guests of high appreciation and best wishes of succes to the Russian Muftis Council, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin said, "Let all the good deeds be accompanied by the mercy of God and the intercession of our Prophet."

For the contribution to the spread of Islamic religious and cultural traditions, for the efforts to promote peace, stability and friendship between the peoples Dr. Mohammad Bagher Horamshad  was awarded the medal of Muslims of Russia "For the spiritual union."

Ravil Gaynutdin gratefully accepted the invitation to visit Iran again.

The Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin expressed confidence that today's signing of the Memorandum on cooperation between the Russian Muftis Council and the Organization of Culture and Islamic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran would give a new impetus to cooperation for the benefit of Muslims, the peoples of Russia and Iran and our countries.